The nineteenth edition of the StartUp Bahrain Pitch competition has concluded, naming investment platform Tanami as the first-place winner and AI-powered recruitment platform Certify as the runner-up. The event, a cornerstone of the local ecosystem, aims to identify and elevate the Kingdom’s most promising emerging technology companies.
The competition is supported by a powerful coalition of national entities, including the Labour Fund “Tamkeen,” the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, and the Bahrain Development Bank, all working to foster a dynamic environment for innovation.
Showcasing Diverse AI-Powered Innovation
The winning startups reflect the growing sophistication and AI focus within Bahrain’s tech scene. First-place winner Tanami is a technology platform designed to broaden access to private market investments through alternative solutions, ensuring high levels of transparency and quality for investors. Runner-up Certify is a smart platform that streamlines hiring by connecting job seekers with employers, using AI to filter candidates according to local market needs and reduce recruitment time.
Other participating startups included Thobify, an AI application for tailoring traditional men’s attire; Lamea, an AI-powered platform for creating e-commerce stores; and X-Scene, which offers an integrated AI solution for accounting, inventory, and sales management.
Expert Panel and Ecosystem Support
The pitches were evaluated by a distinguished panel of regional and global experts, underscoring the event’s high caliber. The judges included Samantha Evans, Regional Director for MENA at Startup Genome; Laith Al-Khaili, Associate Partner at Mumtalakat; Sarah Anan, an expert and advisor at Blossom Accelerator; and Abdulrahman Al-Jiffry, a venture capital investor and Partner at 500 Global. Their involvement highlights the strong investor interest in the Bahraini market.
A Milestone For Winning Founders
For the winning entrepreneurs, the victory is a significant achievement. Dr. Nawaf Al-Maskati, a co-founder of Tanami, commented, “This win reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and marks an important turning point in our journey towards further achievements and sustainable growth.”
Yousef Al-Sabaie, CEO and a founder of Certify, added, “Our participation in StartUp Bahrain was a rich and inspiring experience that gave us the opportunity to effectively connect with the entrepreneurship community and discover new horizons for growth and innovation.”
About StartUp Bahrain Pitch
StartUp Bahrain Pitch is a recurring competition designed to discover, support, and promote emerging technology companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Backed by key government and economic development bodies, the initiative provides a vital platform for founders to gain exposure, receive expert feedback, and connect with investors.
About Tanami
Tanami is a Bahrain-based financial technology platform that aims to expand access to private markets through alternative investment solutions. It focuses on providing quality, transparent investment opportunities to help clients achieve their financial goals.
About Certify
Certify is a Bahraini HR-tech platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to simplify the recruitment process. It connects job seekers with employers through a smart filtering system tailored to local market demands, aiming to make hiring more efficient and effective.
Source: Al-Watan News
